Appraisal of Long-Term Outcomes of Tricuspid Valve Replacement in the Current Perspective

Outcomes of tricuspid valve replacement at a single institution over a 4 decade period were reviewed.  A bioprosthesis was used in 82%, and the surgical mortality was nearly 28%.  Freedom from structural deterioration was better in the mechanical valve group.  Mechanical valves were, however, associated with earlier and more severe morbidity, including a significantly higher incidence of thromboembolic complications.